From The Rector's Desk

From the Rector’s Desk – Trinity Sunday 2020

The thief comes to rob and destroy but I have come that you may have life! (Jesus)
Uncertainty is a thief of energy and motivation and success. Two weeks ago, I had more clarity about what we were trying to do then I have now, and the last week has derailed a process that we were on together. The emerging reality is becoming less clear each day and the demands on us as we attempt to everyday things have made life very stressful and everything takes so much longer.

I am sure that all of you who have returned to work are suffering from this, and the news is not helping as we really don’t know what is going on at present. Instead of gaining consensus on the way forward we seem to be all over the place.

Interruptions are also nightmarish. One problem with WhatsApp is that it is instant messaging and people expect an instant response, no matter that you are doing something else, no matter that a response requires thought… they want an answer!
This therefore is a time for us to show leadership, and to assist each other to navigate these difficult waters.

I share with you 10 tips I received this week on dealing with stress: (Carey Niewhof)

  1. Tell Someone
    We are afraid of being a burden, but it is essential that we build relationships, that enable us to tell someone. I’m telling you that these are difficult times and I need your prayers. It’s really easy to just send me a WhatsApp and say – Please pray for me.
  2. Develop A Circle Around You
    This is critical, and it would be better if prayer circles are created by you than forced upon you. In the weeks ahead we will be helping to facilitate this.
  3. Keep Leaning into God
    Develop your prayer patterns. Morning and Evening prayers are available on Zoom and we have a 7pm prayer topic each night on WhatsApp. We also supply a reading plan for you to follow a structured reading of Scripture.
  4. Rest
    Do it yourself or it will be forced upon you. You don’t want to end up in a heap like I did on Thursday. Get enough rest.
  5. Find Something To Take Your Attention Away From Your Pain
    Developing new pastimes may be necessary and walking is probably the best plan at present. Walking helps clear the head and revive the soul.
  6. Don’t Make Any Big Decisions
    Definitely. With all the uncertainty take it day by day.
  7. Grieve Your Losses
    There are many things that you have lost during this time. Process this. Deal with the denial and the anger and the wishing it was different. If you don’t process your loss, it will consume you.
  8. Reopen Your Heart
    It’s hard to be vulnerable. But you need to reach out in love and as I’ve said before start with those you already love and work in ever increasing circles till you are able to love the “unlovable”
  9. Live Today In A Way That Will Help You Thrive Tomorrow.
    Although you are not making plans for the future, still live for it! Make today count and we will build a better future moment by moment.
  10. Believe The Gospel
    Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. Don’t let your relationship with God be built on your circumstances, build your life on the promises of God.

As a Parish we are developing new and innovative ways to support you and those whom you love and care about.

Be assured of our prayers.

Choose faith not fear.
Rector
Ember Day 2020

Church Chatter

World Environment Day!

It’s Time for Nature this World Environment Day.

“Extract from the media release from Sustainable Sea Trust” below.

“Friday the 5th of June is World Environment Day, a global awareness drive and call to take action against environmental challenges, such as global warming, the pollution of our oceans and the senseless plundering of the earth’s wildlife. The key message for World Environment Day 2020 is that “It’s Time for Nature”.

As the Covid-19 pandemic dominates the hearts and minds of citizens globally, and entire nations have been asked to stay at home to stay healthy, industries have been forced to shut down, resulting in empty highways and no human life on the world’s beaches. Environmental activists around the world have highlighted the positive impact this has had on nature.

“During this time of national lockdown, it’s as if nature has given us a message of hope,” says Stacey Webb, Executive Director of the Sustainable Seas Trust. “It’s not too late for us to make positive and sustainable changes that benefit our environment, especially if we want to conserve the very thing we depend on for our existence… the environment”. In 2020, the focus of this global awareness day is on biodiversity, as recent events such as the bush fires in Brazil, the United States and Australia, to locust infestations across East Africa – and now, a global disease pandemic – demonstrate the interdependence of humans and their ecosystems. Nature is sending us a message.

Sustainable Seas Trust (SST) is an advocate for ocean conservation with a focus on mitigating plastic pollution. It also builds networks for sharing information and support focused on waste management. World Environment Day is an opportunity to inspire positive change and a time to recognize that global change requires a global community.
“There are small and big things that each of us can do to make a positive impact. We should all be open to learning and researching ways we can make changes that benefit our environment,” Webb continued.

Through its events and programmes, the African Marine Waste Network and Hope Spots, SST is bringing like-minded and passionate people together, locally and internationally, to develop best practices to better manage the issues of plastic waste in Africa.

This is important, because Africa has some of the most exquisite, bio-diverse and marine-rich coastlines in the world, which must be protected. Waste-focused studies predict that by 2050 there will be more plastic littering Africa and entering its seas than any other continent. So, as we celebrate World Environment Day on Friday, we need to think about the way we consume and how we can better live in harmony with the Earth and our Oceans. It requires everyone to build a greener future and there’s no better way to do this, than by involving and educating the youth. With June also being Youth Month, young environmental activists like Gretha Thunburg and Africa’s own Leah Namugerwa from Uganda, are great examples of young people using their voices for nature. It’s happening right here at home too, as SST programmes inspire the youth how they can make a difference and educate their communities about securing a greener future for the world’s children. This year, World Environment Day will be celebrated digitally. You are invited to share why it’s time for nature, how we can be a part of the solution and the global call #ForNature. For more information and to share your story, visit: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/

You can also visit the Sustainable Seas Trust website to find out how you can support its programmes and initiatives. With your donation you are investing in the future of Africa’s coastline and oceans and the money is used in a variety of ways that range from educational programmes in local communities to establishing South African Hope Spots.”